luang prabang laos monks cultural tour

Monks, Luang Prabang, Laos

Monks rise early to make their morning procession through Luang Prabang’s temples to receive alms. Our cultural journey across Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia begins in Luang Prabang, a World Heritage Site of gilded temples.

Photo by Brian McGilloway

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Indochine

An Extraordinary Cultural Journey to Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia

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Trip Details at-a-Glance

Cost From: $5695   see pricing
Length: 16 days
Arrive: Luang Prabang, Laos
Depart: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Lodging: 14 nights deluxe hotels, 1 night aboard private traditional junk describe
Meals: All meals included except 3 dinners
Activity: Archaeology, Cultural Adventures
Trip Level: Overland travel with walking tours, cultural explorations
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Highlights

  • Luang Prabang, an ancient town of temples on the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers
  • Hanoi, “Paris of the Orient,” magical Halong Bay, charming Hoi An
  • Angkor Wat, one of the world’s most phenomenal architectural achievements


This was my second time on this trip, and I found it as enchanting as the first time.Judith M.—Albuquerque NM

Choosing the Right Trip

We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
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References

We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.

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Departure Notes

Once you have signed up on the trip, we send a complete packing list, relevant health information, and required travel documents.

Resources

Gold-leafed pagodas glinting in the sun, straw-roofed sampans drifting down tranquil rivers, ornate royal capitals—our journey to Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia brings us into an ancient world of stunning beauty and vibrant cultures. We get a glimpse of daily life as we meet a mosaic of intriguing peoples in their villages, schools, homes, and temples, and discover irresistible settings like Luang Prabang in the heart of the old Lao kingdom, breathtaking Halong Bay, and Hoi An, Vietnam’s beautiful 17th century trading port, now a World Heritage Site. Our journey ends at glorious Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s jungle-shrouded city of temples lost in time.

Itinerary at a Glance

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

Days 1-4
Luang Prabang, Laos

The ancient royal capital of Laos, Luang Prabang is a regal town of gilded temples encircled by mountains. Here, we stroll the atmospheric streets, visit 15th century shrines, boat up the winding Mekong River to the Buddhist caves at Pak Ou, and explore villages of the Hmong and Khamu hilltribes.

Days 5-6
Hanoi, Vietnam

In this graceful city on the Red River, bicycle rickshaws are the ideal way to explore the back streets of the 15th century Old Quarter. Our visit includes the studio of a renowned local artist and the excellent Museum of Ethnology.

Day 7
Private Junk on Halong Bay

A World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is a magical setting of thousands of sheer limestone islands jutting out of a jade-green sea. Our overnight cruise aboard a traditional junk gives us the chance to capture the evening and early morning vistas of this ethereal setting.

Days 8-9
Saigon

The ancient port of Hoi An, with its narrow lanes packed with well-preserved 17th century wooden houses, is still redolent of the atmosphere of its days as a trading port in silk and porcelain.

Days 10-12
Hue / Saigon

In Hue, Vietnam’s ancient cultural capital, we visit the majestic Royal Tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty, journey by private “dragon boat” up the Perfume River, and roam the vibrant Dong Ba Central Market. On Day 12, we discover bustling Saigon.

Days 13-16
Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Covered with intricate bas-reliefs and scattered across a tropical landscape, Angkor Wat is a lasting monument to the glory of a bygone Khmer civilization. Here among some of the world’s architectural masterpieces, we explore jungle-draped, intricately carved temples, then depart from Siem Reap in the afternoon of Day 16.

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

Optional Extensions

If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extensions:

What the Trip is Like

The trip is Level 1+, or Easiest. It is an overland cultural adventure, and for the most part, physical activity is light but we still encourage participants to get in shape for the trip because travel to remote places does require some physical stamina. We ask that you make a special effort to bring flexibility and a spirit of adventure to this unique journey.

Explanation of Trip Levels

 

Departures & Leaders

Nov 6-21, 2013  Mathew Smith
Dec 21, 2013-Jan 5, 2014  Mathew Smith
Dec 28, 2013-Jan 12, 2014  David Henley
Jan 12-27, 2014  Mathew Smith
Feb 8-23, 2014  Mathew Smith
Nov 1-16, 2014
Dec 20, 2014-Jan 4, 2015
Feb 7-22, 2015

Trip Cost

Prices valid through Spring 2014
$5695 (15-16 members)
$5896 (11-14 members)
$6195 (8-10 members)
Single supplement: $1295
Forced single supplement: $1295
Internal airfare: $790 (subject to change)
Holiday surcharge (December 21): $200
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Trip Cost Includes:

  • Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
  • Accommodations
  • All meals included except 3 dinners
  • Sightseeing as noted with entrance fees to sites and museums
  • Surface transportation in buses or vans
  • Land transportation, airport transfers for all passengers, and baggage handling

Trip Cost Does Not Include:

International airfare, internal airfare/taxes within Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, any meals not specified after each itinerary day in the Full Trip Brochure, beverages at group meals, international airport departure taxes, optional tipping or gratuities to leaders or staff, hotels en route to/from Asia and any additional hotel nights that may be necessary due to airline schedule changes or other factors, pre-trip expenses of medical immunizations (if any), travel insurance, or passports and visas, and other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.).

Trip Payment Schedule

At time of reservation: $500
120 days prior to departure: 20%
60 days prior to departure: Balance

Cancellation and Transfer Fee Schedule

Minimum fee: None
46-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost
45 days or less: 100% of trip cost

Villa Santi Hotel

Villa Santi Hotel

Days 1 to 3 (3 nights), Luang Prabang, Laos

A charming boutique hotel, the Villa Santi is a former royal residence situated in the heart of the old historic town, just steps from the temples ...
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Hanoi Opera Hilton Hotel

Hanoi Opera Hilton Hotel

Days 4 to 6 (3 nights), Hanoi, Vietnam

This landmark hotel is located adjacent to the Parisian-style Opera House in the heart of Hanoi’s elegant French Quarter and just steps from ...
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Private Junk

Private Junk

Day 7 (1 night), Halong Bay, Vietnam

Overnighting aboard a private junk in a secluded cove of Halong Bay is a unique opportunity to capture the evening and early morning vistas of this ...
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Hoi An Hotel

Hoi An Hotel (Nov 6, 2013 and Jan 12, 2014 Departures)

Days 8 to 9 (2 nights), Hoi An, Vietnam

The Hoi An, a French colonial-style hotel with well-maintained gardens, enjoys a central location and amenities including a swimming pool with bar, ...
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Anantara Hoi An

Anantara Hoi An (Dec 21, 2013, Dec 28, 2013 and Feb 8, 2014 Departures)

Days 8 to 9 (2 nights), Hoi An, Vietnam

Set along the scenic Thu Bon River in Hoi An’s French colonial quarter, the Anantara features three restaurants and guest rooms with one queen ...
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La Residence Hotel & Spa

La Residence Hotel & Spa

Days 10 to 11 (2 nights), Hue, Vietnam

Located on the Perfume River near the center of Hue, the La Residence Hotel & Spa is a former governor’s residence renovated into a ...
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Caravelle Hotel

Caravelle Hotel

Day 12 (1 night), Saigon, Vietnam

The chic Caravelle is situated adjacent to the French Colonial Opera House in Saigon’s downtown. Many luminaries have stayed here, including ...
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Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Resort

Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Resort

Days 13 to 15 (3 nights), Siem Reap, Cambodia

Set among lovely gardens and ponds, the Sofitel Royal Angkor will feel like an oasis of serenity after a full day exploring the temples of Angkor ...
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Extension Accommodations

If you would like to view the accommodations offered with our extensions options:

Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Our Trip Leaders

Here are the Trip Leaders scheduled for this journey (please note that leader assignments are subject to change).

David Henley

Departure Dates: December 28, 2013-January 12, 2014

David Henley was born and raised in England, where he studied as a commercial photographer before embarking on an extended adventure throughout Asia. He eventually settled in Chiang Mai, where he has been living for over 25 years, and he is married with two children. David’s passion remains ...
Click here for a full bio and list of all upcoming trips

Mathew Smith

Departure Dates: November 6-21, 2013, December 21, 2013-January 5, 2014, January 12-27, 2014, February 8-23, 2014

Mathew Smith, a former language teacher from the UK, went to Thailand to teach in 1987, fell in love with Southeast Asia, and met his future wife. He now lives in Chiang Mai with his wife and daughter. Fluent in Thai, Mathew is loved by trip members for his extraordinary knowledge of Southeast ...
Click here for a full bio and list of all upcoming trips

Optional Extensions

If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extensions:

Burma

Burma Extension

Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay & Inle Lake

Cultural Adventures
8 days  -  Level 2

Myanmar

Burma Extension

Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay & Inle Lake

Cultural Adventures
8 days  -  Level 2

Thailand

wat arun bangkok thailand

Bangkok Extension

Discover the Beautiful Cultural Monuments of Bangkok

Cultural Adventures
3 days  -  Level 1

Chiang Mai Extension

Explore the Wonders of Northern Thailand

Cultural Adventures, Walking, Wildlife & Natural History
3 days  -  Level 2

Phuket Extension

Explore a Jewel Set in the Andaman Sea

Cultural Adventures, Sea Kayaking
4 days  -  Level 2

Client Comments

This was my second time on this trip, and I found it as enchanting as the first time. Judith M., Albuquerque NM We were taught so much beyond the usual viewpoint given to a tourist that I felt I had a much deeper understanding of the culture and history than I would have if traveling with a different company. Charlene H., Palm Springs CA This was an adventure that my husband and I will long remember. Thanks to WT for yet another outstanding trip. You really know how to run a good trip. Essie H., Santa Monica, CA Our Trip Leader was outstanding. His extensive knowledge, charm, patience, and delightful sense of humor made for a memorable trip. Anne W., Riverside, CT A great way to see three countries in 2.5 weeks. Very enjoyable and educational. Joseph L., Acampo, CA Everything was great about this trip from start to finish. Tish P., Ashland, OR
The trip was wonderful. I am impressed not only with the itinerary, hotels, and food, but also with how smoothly the trip runs. Robert B., Berkeley, CA This was a very memorable experience. The logistics were absolutely seamless and we learned a great deal. Alan W., Bedford, MA Experiencing different cultures; viewing beautiful scenery within the cities and in rural areas; learning Indochine's incredible contempary and ancient histories; and meeting its beautiful people made this trip extraordinary. Every day brought unique experiences. My world view has been profoundly changed by the experience. Marjo K., Bend, OR We had many wonderful experiences during this trip! Each country had its own special events that helped us better understand its people and the ways they live. As we learned more, we developed increasing respect, knowing about the glories of their pasts and their visions for the future. Linda L., San Antonio, TX